The extraction shooter genre has exploded in recent years, and it’s arguably down to the ongoing success of Escape from Tarkov, from Battlestate Games. This spearhead of a game has popularised the extraction shooter gameplay loop, so much so that many developers have tried to get in on the action in the last two or three years.
One such attempt to mirror Tarkov’s success comes in the form of PIONER, a new post-apocalyptic MMO FPS from GFA Games, a Serbian studio.
Tarkov, STALKER, and Metro – Oh, My!
PIONER recently went live on Steam, which means users can now add the harrowing FPS title to their wishlist in anticipation of the game’s impending release, which is slated for 2025.
Here’s the game’s description from Steam:
PIONER is an open-world MMO first-person shooter set in a haunting, alternative-reality world where Soviet-era structures lie abandoned on a desolate, post-apocalyptic island. In this immersive environment, the gameplay experience is defined by dynamic PvE and PvP elements, where realism takes priority over traditional health bars or character levels.
With a sprawling map of 50+ square kilometers, not counting hidden dungeons, players can explore a world rich with mystery and danger, encountering story quests and faction missions that influence relationships and loyalty rewards.
Wrapped up within PIONER is ‘Shadowlands’, an extraction shooter mode that boasts the core mechanics typical for the genre. Players are invited to enter the supersized map, loot and fight to their heart’s desire, and then attempt to successfully extract from the map.
PIONER has been inspired by other, similar titles. Elements of STALKER, Metro, and Fallout can all be seen in the clips, shots, and trailers that have been released in the last year or so, which unfortunately means that the game’s make-up and overall aesthetic aren’t going to stand apart from the competition.
Bold promises have been made regarding the ultimate delivery of PIONER. In the game’s bio on Steam, GFA Games has promised sci-fi-influenced lore, a ‘rich’ campaign, diverse activities including casino games and fishing, and extensive survival mechanics.
Does PIONER sound like your kind of game? Let us know on the Insider Gaming forum.
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